Shimkus, Eshoo Applaud FCC Efforts to Improve Wireless E-9-1-1 Location Accuracy

WASHINGTON – House Co-Chairs of the Next Gen 9-1-1 Caucus, Reps. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), today applauded the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for voting in favor of proposed standards for wireless providers to ensure accurate caller location information is automatically provided to public safety officials for indoor as well as outdoor wireless calls to 9-1-1 call centers.

“We’ve made great progress on improving location reporting for outdoor wireless calls to 9-1-1,” Shimkus said. “Setting standards for indoor location accuracy is the next logical step as more and more Americans rely on their mobile phones in emergencies. I’m pleased to see the FCC agrees.”

“By some estimates, 70 percent of 9-1-1 calls today are placed from wireless phones, demonstrating the powerful effect mobile technology has had on public safety,” said Eshoo, who also serves as Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. “Yet, when these calls are made from indoors, first responders still have difficulty obtaining accurate location information. If their smartphone app can pinpoint their location almost instantaneously, consumers rightfully expect our first responders should be able to do the same in an emergency. I welcome the newly approved FCC benchmark for 9-1-1 call location accuracy as it takes public safety a step further toward that goal.”

Reps. Shimkus and Eshoo sent a letter to the FCC on January 15th requesting the Commission do more to ensure first responders have the necessary information to locate calls made to 9-1-1 call centers from indoor locations.

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